ADB Water Week 2004
Water for the Poor: Setting the Rules and Finding the Money
ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines
26-30 January 2004
Is there conspiracy against the poor? Why is it that after concerted efforts spanning decades, the poor still does not have access to safe drinking water? Have conventional mindsets or vested interests stymied progress in this direction?
The ADB has organized its 2nd Water Week to stimulate knowledge development in the water sector, particularly on the issue of water for the poor. The theme for the 2004 ADB Water Week is "Water for the Poor: Setting the Rules and Finding the Money."
|
|
|
Camdessus Presents Keynote at Water Week Opening
The dream of pure water for all is a realizable goal, Michel Camdessus, former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), told ADB Water Week yesterday. In his keynote speech, Mr. Camdessus called for financial flows to at least double, and stressed the essential role of the international financial institutions (IFIs), including ADB, in stimulating financial flows.
|
 |
Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) Wins ADB Water Prize
The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) in Cambodia is the winner of the ADB's 2004 Water Prize.
At a ceremony at Water Week, PPWSA General Manager, Ek Sonn Chan received the prize from ADB President Tadao Chino and was praised for dramatically overhauling Phnom Penh's water supply system. Since 1992, the PPWSA has increased its distribution network from serving 40% of Phnom Penh in 1993 to serving over 80% today. Non-revenue water was lowered from 72% to 22%.
Read the case study, "Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority: An Exemplary Water Utility in Asia"
View the video clip of the PPWSA documentary, "The Connections" |
 |
Understanding Why The Poor Don't Get What They Want
Over 300 international and local delegates came to the ADB Headquarters yesterday to deliberate on this issue. In her keynote address, Erna Witoelar, UN Special Ambassador on MDGs for Asia and the Pacific, said that to reach the poor, ADB should simplify rules and decentralize financing. The ensuing discussions focused on these key questions: Is there conspiracy against the poor? Have the poor suffered because of lack of water rights? Have low irrigation service charges disadvantaged the poor?
|
 |
Water Voices Documentary Series and Water for All Publication Series Launched
Two major products of ADB's Water Awareness Program were launched last night. The "Water Voices" documentary series, which features stories about people who found local solutions to the worsening water crisis in the region, recognizes the power of good examples and lessons learned to inspire 'home grown' solutions to water problems. The Water for All Publication Series includes a variety of analytical reports and case studies on various water and poverty issues. Over 500 people attended the launch.
|
|
News and Events 
Top of page